(Kate's pov)
With coffee brewing, sunlight pouring through my apartment window, and a full calendar of meetings, the following morning began like any other. I was eager to get to work and put the commotion from the gala last night behind me. However, a huge bouquet of red roses was waiting for me on my desk when I got to my office.
I stumbled.
Between the flowers was a small white card. Hesitantly, I lifted it and read the scribbled note.
*Kate,
I want to speak. Give me a chance, please.
Simon.
I clenched my fingers around the card. What does he dare do? Did he believe that three years of heartache could be erased by roses? I slammed the bouquet into the room's corner after crumpling the card and throwing it in the garbage.
But his note's words continued to play in my head as I sat down and opened my laptop. Why now? Why all this time? What was Simon's true desire?
Meetings and sketches kept my mind occupied till noon, so the morning flew by. Until Lucas Hayes entered the meeting room, that is.
I had already heard of him. Lucas was a well-known CEO who was known throughout the industry for transforming underperforming businesses into profitable ventures. Although his dark blue suit exuded might, he had a simple, almost childlike expression.
He held out his hand and said, "Miss Williams." "I'm glad to have met you. I have been keeping up with your work.
I said, "Thank you," and shook his hand. "I'm shocked that you are aware of me."
He laughed. "I'm constantly searching for up-and-coming talent." Your designs are bold and new. You've produced something original.
Despite myself, I smiled at his praise. It's kind of you to say that. It's a work in progress because I'm still developing my brand.
Lucas's face became serious as he leaned forward a little. "I'd be pleased to assist you if you ever require direction or support. Talents such as yours are worthy of being highlighted.
His tone made me stop, even if it was an enticing proposition. His timing seemed to be... calculating.
"I'll remember that," I answered respectfully.
He smiled again, but his next words were a jab to my nerves. And speaking of Simon Blackwood, use caution around him. Rarely do men like him have good intentions.
My heart skipped a beat, but I covered it up right away. "Why would you mention him?"
As though the idea had just dawned on him, Lucas shrugged. "He's... renowned for his drive. Let's just say that not everyone who encounters him escapes unharmed. Be careful, Miss Williams.
He smiled charmingly as he exited the room, but I remembered his warning. Did Lucas have knowledge that I did not? Or was he just attempting to control me?
Later that afternoon, Simon showed up at my office without warning, so I didn't have time to think about what Lucas had said.
As soon as he entered, I said, "You shouldn't be here."
He appeared worn out and somewhat exposed. There was a trace of hesitancy in his eyes, and his normally perfect suit was a little creased. "Please, Kate. Listen to me, please.
I crossed my arms and snapped, "I have nothing to say to you." "And whatever justification you have, I most definitely don't want to hear it."
"It's not an excuse," he muttered. It's the reality. I've erred. You've been harmed by me. However, I wish to put things right.
I gave a sour laugh. "Set things right? You did more than just hurt me, Simon. I was broken by you. Everything we owned was taken by you and thrown away. What did that do to me, do you know?"
His jaw tensed, and I briefly feared he might turn away. However, he didn't. He remarked, "I know I can't undo the past." "But I'm requesting an opportunity to make things right."
"Why? I raised my voice and demanded. "Why now? Simon, what do you want from me?"
He stopped, and for a split second, I thought I saw fear in his eyes. He said, "Because you are the only person who ever really mattered to me."
For a second, his remarks took me off balance. But I quickly regained my composure. "You don't get to say that," I responded, my voice cracking. "Not after everything you've done."
Before he could react, I moved back and gestured to the door. "Simon, go out. I'd rather not see you ever again.
He nodded and turned to leave, but it seemed like he wanted to say more. I collapsed into my chair as soon as the door shut behind him, feeling a storm of agony, uncertainty, and rage.
The streets were crowded with people, and the sky was a gentle orange by the time I left the workplace that evening. I gripped my suitcase hard as I tried to forget what had happened that day. I had more questions than answers after talking to Lucas and Simon.
My phone buzzed as I rounded the corner to my flat. I took it out in anticipation of receiving a message from my assistant, but I had no idea who had sent it.
Watch who you put your trust in. People are not always who they seem to be.
A beat skipped in my chest. I felt exposed suddenly, so I stopped walking and looked around. Faces in the crowd appeared to blend as they surrounded me. Was I being watched?
My heart beating, I gripped my phone and ran home. Who was the sender? Lucas? Simon? Someone else?
My thoughts racing, I leaned against the door and locked it behind me. With every phrase, the warning reverberated in my mind, escalating my paranoia.
I had too many unresolved questions from the day. Why had Simon returned? Lucas wanted what? Who was attempting to alert me, anyway?
One thing became evident to me as I stood there in my apartment's silence: I couldn't trust anyone. Not quite yet.